Gangan, Talking Drum

The talking drum is one of the oldest musical instruments used by master drummers. It’s a highly stylized instrument that has its origin in the West African regions of Africa. The drum can be found in Cameroon, Ghana, Senegal, and Nigeria. It is prominent among the Yoruba ethnic group but can be found in neighboring Nigerian countries like Togo and Benin Republic

The drums are carved out of tree trunks and are made having an hourglass shape with long leather tension cords attached from the drum head to the base of the drum.

The crown or top side is usually made out of stretched animal skin pulled taut, which covers a hollow midsection; the drum could have a single membrane or double skinned and comes in varied sizes, depending on the origin and function.